SI
Soccer

Ballon d’Or

From confusing metaphors to fiery insults, sweeping conclusions and touching life lessons, the game’s players, manager and pundits had plenty to say in 2025.
Grey Whitebloom|
Only seven male players have ever achieved the rare feat since the inception of the Ballon d’Or almost 70 years ago.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
The Atlético Madrid manager showered immense praise on a Barcelona player.
Roberto Casillas|
No player has ever won the Ballon d’Or while playing for Chelsea.
Ewan Ross-Murray|
Kane likened himself to Erling Haaland in his quest for the Ballon d’Or.
Grey Whitebloom|
Thomas Tuchel explained why Bellingham dropped to the bench for England.
Grey Whitebloom|
Messi also provided some insight into his future ambitions after retiring from playing.
Grey Whitebloom|
Ancelotti was emphatic when it came to the topic of Vinicius’s inherent quality.
Grey Whitebloom|
Raphinha and Lamine Yamal have formed one of the best winger partnerships in the world.
Roberto Casillas|
Dembélé beat out Lamine Yamal for the 2025 award after winning PSG’s first Champions League.
Max Mallow|
The soccer icon snubbed Ousmane Dembélé despite better individual numbers and European silverware.
Max Mallow|
The Bayern Munich striker reached 20 goal contributions in just 742 minutes this season.
Max Mallow|
PSG boss Luis Enrique has weighed in on the Pedri debate ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash.
Grey Whitebloom|
Lamine Yamal set a new record while being crowned the best male player aged under 21.
James Cormack|
Dembélé won the men's Ballon d'Or by a considerable distance, ahead of Barcelona's Lamine Yamal in second. Here’s why he justified his emphatic win.
Henry Winter|
Yamal lost out to Ousmane Dembélé for the 2025 prize, but did win a second consecutive Kopa Trophy.
Max Mallow|
Which stars continued to climb, and which fell off the map completely?
Max Mallow|
As always, there were a few curious placements in Ballon d’Or voting.
James Cormack|
Yamal took a very different approach to his father when discussing Monday’s ceremony.
Grey Whitebloom|
The FC Barcelona midfielder became the first woman to claim three Ballon d’Or Féminin awards, but this latest win may tell us the most about how the trophy is awarded.
Theo Lloyd-Hughes|
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